As we near the halfway mark of the 2012 Dakar Rally, three time champion Cyril Despres has established himself as the front runner. Despres took his 28th stage victory today, his second of 2012, and now holds a 10 minute lead over his rival Marc Coma.

Marc Coma took his 18th stage victory as the Dakar Rally traveled from San Juan to Chilecito, but the defending champion still trails Cyril Despres by more than 8 minutes.

The 2012 Dakar rally lost two American riders today. Jonah Street withdrew halfway through the third stage due to a mechanical error and American Quinn Cody had to call it quits after a serious crash during today's stage.

Cyril Despres started the third stage three minutes behind his championship rival Marc Coma. Despres ended the third stage with a ten minute lead.

American Jonah Street has withdrawn from the 2012 Dakar Rally. Street suffered mechanical issues during the third stage of the Dakar and was forced to end his Dakar early.